Archive for the ‘Tiny Toes News’ Category

Avoid the “witching hour” blues with some moves

Posted on: March 29th, 2012 by Caryn No Comments

Its the end of the day and you and your kids are tired and cranky. The kids are whining, arguing and not listening. Your patience is being ested and the house becomes chaos. You just want to get dinner on the table and get the bed time routine rolling! This lovely time of day before dinner time is known a the “the witching hour“. If you have kids, we have all been there. Personally, this is the hardest time of the day for me. My 4 year old daughter gets even more wild when she is overtired and my 2 yr old son just melts down.

No worries, we have some kid tested ideas to help beat those witching hour blues. Yes, we know it sounds counter productive, but Get your kids moving!

The idea of dancing or jumping may seem like the opposite of what they want to do [or you] at the end of the day, but physical activity provides many benefits. When your little ones are anxious, cranky, fidgety and not listening, start to move, groove and you will all feel good! Movement will increase endorphins, get kids laughing, give them an outlet for their energy, help them sleep better and yes, we always have to throw it in there – can actually help kids in the classroom! AND it will give mom & dad an extra few minutes to get dinner on the table.

5 ideas to get those tiny toes moving...[not to replace kicking a ball outside, just in addition]:

1. Jumping on a trampoline: many options and well worth the investment! My daughter has endless energy and gets very wild at the end of the day. This provides a great outlet and the jumping does wonders. Many physical therapists and OT’s use trampolines. Add singing while jumping and trying different kinds of jumps (tuck, star jump) for older kids!
2. Yoga / Pilates: we have found some great kids yoga and kids dance programs On Demand (under kids and fun fitness). They have jazz, ballet  and hip hop. And both my son and daughter are mesmerized by the Yoga for Kids. Different themes keep them engaged and they have a cool down at the end that helps everyone feel relaxed and at peace. My 2 yr old gets the blankets at the end for our relaxation time! Namaste.
3. Obstacle Course: set up an obstacle course for your kids. You don’t need anything fancy. Some colored masking tape, rubber place mats and a hula hoop can do the trick. You will be surprised how many times your kids will run through  the course. They love the activities (jumping over the tape, jumping in the hoop, hop scotch with the mats) and being independent to do it themselves! Don’t be surprised if they want to create their own course…take a minute to enjoy their creativity. I enjoy watching my son’s OCD as he lines up each mat just right!
4. Instructional Dance Music: from iTunes to YouTube there are lots of great songs to get your kids dancing and laughing! Try Charity Kahn’s “Peanut Butter & Jam”
(a favorite in our classes), “Cha Cha slide” and “Going on Bear Hunt.” For younger kids stick to Itsy Bitsy, Twinkle Little Star or try some new songs like “The Circle Song”. My daughter asks for Adele’s “Rumor Has It” (ok, thought she would be like 10 yrs when requesting in the latest hits!)
5. Exercise ball activities: Children can roll on the big exercise balls (forwards and backwards, bounce and so much more. Refer to our previous blog on Exercise Ball Fun! (Please always spot and hold your child!)

More to come…check our Move, Groove & Grow Blog Series to find more fun moves @ home!

Now go get your groove on….

Here are some suggested products from Amazon.com:

Charity and the JAMband: Peanut Butter and JAM
by Charity Kahn and Charity and the JAMband (Audio CD - Apr 20, 2004)

Buy new: $12.88
14 new from $8.33 11 used from $0.15
Usually ships in 7 to 12 days
Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

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TP Activity Baby Bubble Bouncer

Buy new: $59.99 $46.84
2 new from $39.99
Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.
Manufacturer recommended age: 12- 36 Months

Mini Rebounder Trampoline

Buy new: $40.80 – $143.99
2 new from $44.99
Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping.

The Marble Jar

Posted on: October 24th, 2011 by Caryn 1 Comment

Well, I can’t take credit for the idea but can for the implementation! When visiting my sister a few months ago, my 4 yr old daughter wanted to get “marbles” like her cousins. So, she did. And it has worked wonders!

This simple marble jar has provided a tool to redirect behavior, use positive reinforcement, earn rewards and learn repercussions.

So, this is how it works…
Put a clear jar or container somewhere that your children see on a daily basis. Your little one can get a marble for good behavior. After 7 marbles (or number of your choice), your child gets a reward! However, they lose a marble for bad choices.

Few things to note…
1. Let your child decorate the jar/container to make it something they are proud of and feel ownership of
2. Make a sticker chart (I will attach mine as a reference) to provide a reference for the “good choices/behaviors” that will earn a marble…aka throw wet pull up in trash in the morning so mommy doesn’t step on it, share with your sibling, use big girl/boy words, etc.
3. Have your child place the marble in the jar, and remove the marble, themselves. It gives them power – what child doesn’t want power!
4. The reward after 7 marbles (or 10, 15 – whatever you decide) can be anything. Remember, it doesn’t always have to be something tangible like candy or a toy. Maybe a special date with mom or a bike ride with dad. You can also give a dollar after 7 marbles and teach your little ones about saving money for big treats.
5. FOLLOW THROUGH. as with any discipline technique, follow through. Kids smell BS a mile away …

Welcome!

Posted on: September 24th, 2011 by Caryn No Comments

mom with baby

We are so excited to finally add our blog to the Tiny Toes website! We hope this site will be your “mom spot“, and provide information on everything from health, feeding & sleeping tips, local hot spots, deals, must-haves, positive reinforcement, activities…everything & anything related to your favorite tiny toes.

Redirecting Behavior

Posted on: March 8th, 2010 by Caryn 1 Comment

Redirect your child’s behavior and get them to do what you want without any fuss! Kids can filter out the word “no” from a very early age because we tend to overuse it. “Don’t do this, don’t do that, no” turns into “blah, blah, blah.” They tune us out as we nag at them.  Here are some tips to help get your children to listen to you while keeping everyone happy!

Limit your use of the word “no.” Redirect their behavior!

There are times when it is imperative that children listen to us immediately when we say “No!” or “Stop!” especially when it comes to safety. If we overuse the word “no” they will not pay attention to us when we REALLY need them to. Redirect their behavior instead.

Crawler - when your baby is crawling around everything is interesting to them and they have no concept of the danger that is lurking around every corner. Make sure you child proof your home and then when they start climbing on the tv or trying to grab wires pick them up and remove them from the situation but to ward of a tantrum make it fun! Have a fun toy in hand to distract them or make a game of it saying “1,2,3 let’s go!” and whisk them up for a pony ride, galloping and singing. They’re sure to start giggling. Yes this can become monotonous but it will keep both of you in good spirits instead of saying no and getting frustrated when they don’t listen.

Toddler – toddlers test limits as they are learning to discover their autonomy. This is completely natural and can be tons of fun or it can lead to frustration for both parents and children. As the parent you set the tone so keep it fun! If your child is doing something annoying but not dangerous such as picking their nose simply say “hands are for clapping!” Make a game out of it seeing who can clap faster which will get them interested in a new fun game!

Get creative! Redirecting behaviors can be a whole lot of fun instead of a battle of wills which leaves everyone frustrated.